Crystal meth has a half-life of 10 hours. Additionally, the effects last from about four to eight hours, but further residual effects can last up to 12 hours after the drug is taken. Crystal meth reaches its peak of about 2.6 to 3.6 hours after being taken. However, the drug is relatively easy to detect in tests for quite some time after a person returns to normal.
Testing for crystal meth
The existence of crystal meth in someone’s system can be tested in a few different ways. Each way is unique and means that the time the drug can be found can be altered.
- Urine: Crystal meth can be found in urine from one to four days, but if it is used, abundantly can be found for up to one week afterward. Urine tests are considered one of the most effective ways of testing for the drug.
- Hair: Crystal meth can be detected with a hair follicle test for up to 90 days.
- Blood: A Blood test is another great way to detect the usage of crystal meth. These tests work quickly after usage and will find the drug in one’s system from one to three days after last being used.
- Saliva: With a saliva test, crystal meth can be found one to four days after its last dose.
Also, there are several ways that a false positive can occur when testing for crystal meth. Make sure to tell anyone administering the testing about any over the counter drugs you are taking, because they can often show up in these tests.
| Test | Saliva | Blood | Urine | Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 1-4 days | 1-3 days | 1 week | 90 days |
Factors that increase or decrease the time spent in a person’s system
The period in which crystal meth stays in a person’s system can change a bit based on a few factors. The following things can factor into how long the drug stays in a person’s system.
- Metabolism: Metabolism is essential when it comes to body processing crystal meth. A higher metabolism will mean the drug is in the system for less time. Generally, younger people have a faster metabolism rate.
- General Health: In general, the healthier a person is, the faster crystal meth will run through their body. This also includes how healthy a condition a person’s liver and kidneys are in.
- Frequency: If a person uses crystal meth more often, the detection time will be higher than someone who uses it infrequently.
- Method of consumption: The amount of time that crystal meth stays in a person’s system will vary based on how the drug is consumed. If it is smoked or snorted, crystal meth will not remain present for as long if it were injected.
Can a person lower the amount of time crystal meth is in their system?
Many have claimed to have a way to reduce the time that crystal meth stays in your system, but these are all false claims. The only proven method is to stop using the drug entirely and let your body metabolize it. Exercise and lots of water will help to speed up this process.
Why do people use crystal meth?
Stimulants that speed up the body are called methamphetamines and are also known by several other less formal names, including crystal meth. Crystal meth is the second most popular illicit drug on the planet. Crystal meth is classified as a Schedule II drug and can easily be abused. When abused, crystal meth creates intense psychological and physical dependence. Crystal meth is often used for recreational purposes, but it can be prescribed to treat ADHD or even obesity. Taken in smaller doses, the drug can do several things. This includes helping a person’s reaction time, relieve fatigue, make an individual feel more alert, and increase euphoria.
Larger doses of meth will be harmful in causing restlessness, agitation, poor coordination, and an inability to pay attention. These are just a few of the many adverse effects that occur after the drug is heavily used.
Overdoses can occur from the heavy use of crystal meth. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, paranoia, and even strokes and seizures.
For all of these reasons, be sure to be cautious if considering the consumption of crystal meth. The effects of abusing crystal meth can undoubtedly be hazardous and life-threatening.
